Democrats Say They Will Re-Introduce DREAM Act

What happens to a DREAM Act deferred? In an election year, it gets re-fought.

This week, Democrats say they will try once again to advance legislation that would give some young undocumented immigrants a chance to live legally in the U.S.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (or DREAM) Act would provide a road to citizenship to certain undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children. First introduced to the Senate in 2001, it was blocked in the Senate in December.

Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois plans to file a new DREAM Act bill on Wednesday. In the House, Rep. Howard Berman of California plans to file similar legislation.

Generally, to qualify the young immigrants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and have spent two years in college or the military. They must have been under 16 when they arrived in the U.S.

At least one Republican, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, is co-sponsoring the House bill.

The bill filings would follow a speech Tuesday in Texas on immigration by President Barack Obama.